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Chateau Gillette - Sauterns 1978

Sauterns
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Sauternes 75 cl 1978

$545.55−20%($727.40/ℓ)
Recommended price: $680.41

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Technical information

Producer
Sauterns
Name
Sauternes
Vintage
1978
Gradation
14.5%
Format
75 cl
Aromatic profile
Honey, apricot, candied fruit, vanilla
Vinification method
Withering of botrytized grapes, controlled fermentation
Aging
Minimum 18 months
Type of cask
Oak barrels
Color
Golden yellow
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Château Gilette, in the heart of the Sauternes region, is renowned for its unique approach to producing one of the most exclusive sweet wines in the world. The estate is notable for its practice of extremely long aging in sealed concrete containers, a methodology that significantly differentiates its wines from other Sauternes. This process allows the wine to evolve very slowly, in a completely anaerobic environment, for a period of up to 20 years before bottling. This technique helps create a Sauternes of exceptional concentration, complexity and longevity.

Château Gilette wine is primarily produced from the Sémillon variety, with minor additions of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. These grapes benefit enormously from the effect of Botrytis cinerea, or "noble rot", which promotes the concentration of sugars and aromas in the fruit, resulting in a wine of extraordinary richness and depth. Sauternes' unique microclimate favors the regular formation of this mold, which is essential to the wine's distinctive style.

Château Gilette's extended aging practice not only enriches the wine with complex nuances, but also preserves remarkable freshness and acidity, beautifully balancing the natural sweetness of Sauternes. The result is a wine with an extraordinarily rich aromatic profile, which ranges from notes of candied fruit, honey, apricot and citrus, to more evolved nuances such as caramel, sweet spices, and a light oxidative note that adds further complexity.

In the mouth, Château Gilette reveals its extraordinary intensity and structure, offering a palate richness balanced by a lively acidity that leads to a long and memorable finish. Its texture is luxuriously viscous, with a concentration of flavors that reflects the complexity of the bouquet.

Château Gilette is celebrated not only for its oenological singularity, but also for its aging capacity. Over time, the wine continues to develop and refine its character, becoming even more intriguing and complex, making it a treasure for collectors and lovers of sweet wine.

Ideal as a meditation wine, Château Gilette can also be masterfully paired with a wide range of dishes, including foie gras, fruit or cream-based desserts, and blue cheeses. Its unique character and unparalleled quality make it a point of reference in the world of sweet wines, a true Sauternes jewel that continues to amaze and delight wine enthusiasts around the world.

The winery

Sauternes

Bordeaux (Graves), Nouvelle-AquitaineFrancia

A sweet appellation in the Bordeaux region (Graves) known for white wines from grapes affected by "noble rot" (Botrytis cinerea), capable of concentrating sugars and aromas and producing dessert wines of great longevity.
Grape varieties
Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle
  • Sweet wines produced through botrytization.
  • Main grape varieties: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.
  • Area comprising five main communes: Sauternes, Bommes, Fargues, Preignac, and Barsac.
  • Château d'Yquem: the sole "Premier Cru Supérieur" in the 1855 classification for Sauternes wines.
The story
The production of sweet wines in the Sauternes area has been documented for centuries: as early as the 17th century grapes affected by noble rot were observed and the most concentrated bunches were selected. The appellation established itself over time and was incorporated into the system of Bordeaux’s great wines; in the 1855 classification Château d'Yquem received a unique distinction among the crus of Sauternes. In recent decades the appellation has maintained its identity by focusing on selective harvesting techniques and on wines capable of significant development in bottle.
Production philosophy
Production is based on observing the local microclimate and on an extremely selective harvest: multiple passes are made through the vineyard to pick only berries properly affected by noble rot. The approach focuses on respect for the terroir and on showcasing the aromatic characteristics derived from noble rot and from the blend of local white varieties.
Terroir and vineyards
The production area is located in the southern part of the Graves district in the Gironde and mainly includes the communes of Sauternes, Bommes, Fargues, Preignac and Barsac. The climate is influenced by the confluence of the Ciron and Garonne rivers, which favors the formation of autumn mists that promote the development of Botrytis cinerea.